The Emery County Catholic Community welcomed the Bishop Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City to the Mission San Rafael.
Bishop Solis celebrated mass with the Catholics gathered. Bishop Solis said, “I am happy to be here to meet with the parish family. I will be visiting all of the parishes in the Salt Lake Diocese.
The Bishop Solis was laughing and joking with the parishioners. He joked of how in another church service there was a baby crying. He told the mother you don’t have to take the baby out, he’s not bothering me. The woman said ‘Oh, no,’ you’re bothering my child. I love the children. It’s good to hear the sounds of the children.”
Bishop Solis celebrated mass with the parish family. During his eulogy he spoke of the scriptures that had been read in mass. He said these scriptures are important to remind us of the end of times. “Today, Christ wants to remind us to use our talents. The disposition of our hearts is important. We must be alert and ready to welcome the Advent season.
“In the parable of the talents, two of the servants were fruitful and profitable with the talents given unto them. The other servant took the safe way out and buried his talent, not even putting it in the bank to collect interest. The Master rewarded the faithful and industrious servants. He punished those who did nothing.
“God’s goodness gives us everything. We should use it to benefit ourselves and to benefit others. We should serve in the kingdom of God. Our talents must be put to use. This choir, they sing better than Lady Gaga. If God gives us a beautiful voice, then we should use it. If God gives us a voice that sounds like a frog, we should use it and sing loudly, to get back at God,” joked Bishop Solis.
“Use your talents for good, use them in serving other people. God has created our hearts to be distribution centers of God’s love. As stewards of God’s love do something with them.
“Be sober and watchful, it is unpredictable when the Lord will come. It’s important to be ready. Live your faith actively.
“Continue building the gifts that God has given us to serve the greater good. We don’t know when Christ will come again. Be active in loving and serving,” said Bishop Solis.
Bishop Solis celebrated the Eucharist, Body and Blood of Christ, with those who came forward for communion.
The parish had prepared a meal for Bishop Solis which was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, D.D. is the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. His Installation took place on March 7, 2017.
The Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis was ordained a priest on April 28, 1979 for the Diocese of Cabanatuan. He was appointed Bishop on Dec. 11, 2003 and ordained on Feb. 10, 2004.
He served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles until his appointment on Jan. 10, 2017, as the Tenth Bishop of Salt Lake City.
He was installed on March 7, 2017 in the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Bishop Solis visits Mission San Rafael
The processional into the chapel before mass.